Getting it right takes more than a tape measure and a template

Saddle fitting is one of those quietly crucial topics in the horse world, a subject every rider knows is important, but few fully understand. Ask any experienced equestrian and they’ll tell you: a well-fitted saddle can be the difference between a happy, free-moving horse and one that’s sore, resistant, and underperforming.

Greg Wharram has been fitting saddles for over 13 years and has seen it all, from lumps of flocking better suited to a dog’s bed to billets stretched and uneven from incorrect girthing. He believes that saddle fitting is both an art and a science, requiring deep experience, an eye for detail, and, above all, a real concern for the horse’s welfare.

More than just matching a saddle to a horse

According to Greg, the first step is always a thorough assessment of the horse. “You have to look at the horse’s age, discipline, and conformation,” he says. “It starts at the hoof and works all the way up the shoulder and back.” Every horse is unique, and even small differences in shape or muscle development can affect saddle balance and fit.

Then there’s the rider to consider, their build, riding style, and goals. And of course, practical realities such as budget and saddle availability also play a role. “Sometimes, I have to tell a client that my saddles aren’t right for their horse,” Greg admits. “I’d rather walk away than compromise the horse’s comfort and health.”

This commitment to putting the horse first is at the heart of good saddle fitting. A fitter should take pride in seeing horses perform well and staying sound, rather than simply trying to make a sale.

The trouble with Google

In an age of endless online tutorials and quick-fix videos, many owners are tempted to ‘DIY’ their saddle adjustments. Greg warns strongly against this approach. “Saddle fitting is something you can’t learn from a YouTube clip or a Google article,” he says. “It takes years of hands-on work to understand how small changes affect the horse’s movement and comfort.”

He describes how certain things he’s learned over the years simply aren’t in the textbooks, it comes down to feel, observation, and constant learning on the job.

Girthing: the detail that makes a big difference

An often-overlooked part of saddle fit is the girth and the way it’s used. Greg shares a simple tip: always choose a girth with elastic on both ends. If your girth only has elastic on one side, you risk pulling the saddle off-centre every time you tighten up.

“Imagine putting a tight band around your chest when you’re exercising, not nice, is it?” he explains. Horses need to breathe freely and move without restriction, and the wrong girth can create uneven pressure and discomfort.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on your billets (the leather straps where the girth attaches). Over time, these can stretch unevenly if only one billet is consistently tightened or if incorrect girthing configurations are used. As Greg points out, cross-girthing or missing a hole on one side may sound minor but can cause significant saddle skew and uneven weight distribution across the horse’s back.

Greg and his team often replace billets and ensure they have strong nylon reinforcements to prevent this stretching and maintain balance.

The secret life of saddle flocking

Another hidden culprit behind many saddle issues lies within the panels themselves, the flocking. Over time, flocking can become hard, lumpy, or uneven, creating painful pressure points.

Greg recently removed flocking from a saddle that was so hard and clumped it looked more like old stuffing from a pet bed. In contrast, high-quality flocking should be light, fluffy, and consistent. “We import our flocking from Italy to ensure it’s the right quality, soft enough to cushion but firm enough to support,” he explains.

If you look at your saddle and the panels resemble rolling hills rather than smooth surfaces, it’s a sure sign they need attention. Symmetry is key, panels should look and feel even to both touch and sight.

When padding helps and when it doesn’t

Many riders try to fix saddle fit issues by adding a pad. While half pads and gel inserts can be helpful, they’re not a magic solution. “Padding is only effective if it addresses the right areas,” Greg says. “Using the wrong pad can sometimes make matters worse, creating new pressure points instead of alleviating them.”

There’s a wide range of half pads available, different cuts, materials, thicknesses, and shapes, and it can be overwhelming to choose. Greg always recommends getting your saddle fitter’s input before making a decision. A properly selected pad can fine-tune the fit, but it should never replace a well-fitted saddle.

Choosing the right saddle fitter

So, what should you look for in a good saddle fitter? Experience is non-negotiable, there’s no substitute for years of practical knowledge. A good fitter should also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the horse’s well-being, be willing to walk away rather than force a sale, and have an eye for detail that extends beyond the saddle itself to the girth, billets, and even the pads you use.

Finally, a trustworthy fitter won’t hesitate to share information and educate you along the way. After all, the more you know, the better care you can provide for your horse.

At the end of the day, saddle fitting is about partnership between the horse, the rider, and the fitter. When done properly, it sets the stage for comfort, performance, and a stronger connection between horse and rider. And that, as Greg would say, is worth every ounce of effort.

By Charlene Carroll